Clark gave the Nez Perces a few gifts.  The corps traded flags, knives and other items for dried roots, berries, bread, and fish.  Chief Twisted Hair gave  Lewis and Clark valuable information.  Later people found out that in the beginning the Nez Perces thought of ambushing and killing the explorers.
The Nez Perces would not eat dog, They called some of the explorers "dog eaters".  They were related to the Palouse by language.  When the Corps went hunting with them they thought the white men had fallen from the cloud because they had never heard a rifle blast before.  The Corps camped near them for awhile, along the Clearwater.   The Nez Perces took care of the Corps's horses during the winter.  When the Corps came back the Nez Perces were still helpful.  They warned the Corps about the Bitterroots of the Rockies early in the spring.  Together they danced and played games.  Lewis admired their ability to find trails.

Sacagawea
Alana J. White                                                                                                             More Links
1997